by Laura,
So, what do I do now? Your post-C4 fandom survival guide
Halloween has come and gone, another C4 (Central Canada Comic Con) is in the history books. Sure, you may have your many varied purchases splayed out around you, your room may be filled with various costume pieces scattered among masses of leftover Halloween candy but there’s still a certain feeling of emptiness… ah, yes … it’s your wallet. Being a devoted C4 fan is not cheap. Between the costs of admission, putting together your costume and, once you’re there, so many great vendors with so many things to buy! Oh, the things. Luckily, I know a way you can get your extra fix of comic-y, fandom-y goodness without spending another red cent. I’m sure you know where I’m going with this:
Libraries!
We have book after DVD after video game after streaming service for you to scratch that post-Comic Con itch. The Fort Garry Youth Advisory Council (YAC) has suggested just a few fantastic fandoms that we cover here at WPL:
- Halo (Video Game) – Yeah, maybe you didn’t know we have video games to borrow for free at the library and you would be forgiven for that. We’ve only had them for a couple years at this point but they’re a big draw for kids, teens, and adults alike. While so far we exclusively have titles rated E (Everyone) and T (Teen) that selection still includes Halo. 5, Guardians for Xbox One and another terrific title from the same creators: Destiny (which is available on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One). We also have a great selection of soundtracks from the games available streaming via Hoopla, Sci Fi book titles like Halo: cryptum by Greg Bear (the first book in the Forerunner saga); Halo: the flood by William C. Dietz; and Halo. The fall of reach by Eric Nylund. And you’d better believe that’s
not all: also available via streaming service Hoopla is the RedvsBlue web series. - Harry Potter – This is a big one. With the new movie, Fantastical Beasts and Where to Find Them slated for release later this month and the new play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which debuted this summer on stage and in print form, Harry Potter has definitely stepped back into the fandom spotlight. As if it ever really left. It’s easy to get your Potter fix revisiting the book series in print, as audiobooks, or as movies. Beyond that, take a look at The science of
Harry Potter: how magic really works by Roger Highfield; expand your knitting skills with Charmed knits: projects for fans of Harry Potter by Alison Hansel; all the soundtracks are available streaming via Hoopla, there’s even an audiobook which explored the lesser known facts about the books, films, actors, and characters: 101 amazing Harry Potter facts: unofficial & unauthorized by Jake Goldstein and Frankie Taylor. And then there’s the Lego Harry Potter video games for PS3 and Wii, the many biographies of J. K. Rowling, really, this list could go on forever. 
Sherlock Holmes – Considering the multitude of reinventions of Sherlock Holmes, you’d better believe we here at the library can hook you up. Try Brittany Cavallaro’s A Study in Charlotte, the first in the Charlotte Holmes series that follows students Charlotte and Jamie (descendants of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively). Or, Andrew Lane’s Young Sherlock Holmes series, also found in the teen section. The BBC series, Sherlock, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman is available on DVD and Blu-ray or catch an entirely new look at Sherlock through one of the dozens of options always available through Hoopla. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that original series by Sir Arthur Conon Doyle which you can read in print or as an e-Book or listen to the audiobook or eAudiobook!
What’s the point of discussing fandoms without adding Doctor Who into the mix? As a new spinoff looms on the horizon (who else is ridiculously excited to see the premiere of Class?) Doctor Who is fresh as ever in the minds of fans. While you’re eagerly awaiting the next Christmas special feast your eyes upon some of the library’s holdings like: Doctor Who: the Official Cookbook by Joanna Farrow (a Cassandra pizza?!), and there’s been at least one BBC approved Doctor Who book published each year since 2007 the newest in our collection being Doctor Who: 365 days of memorable moments and impossible things by Justin Richards. Not to mention the soundtracks and TV seasons, Christmas episodes and other specials (if you’re not a fan of cds and dvds try it streaming; we even have the soundtracks from the original 1960s series via Hoopla!). There’s no shortage of science fiction book titles and graphic novels to extend your travels through time and space. Between Overdrive, Freading, and Hoopla there are so many downloadable and streaming options for Doctor Who it would overload a Cyberman, terrify a weeping angel, and make a Dalek explode with white hot rage. Fantastic! So, what are you waiting for? Allons-y!
Phew. That’s a lot of fandom nerdiness in one blog post and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Obviously, I couldn’t cover everything so tell us about your favourite fandom in the comments and browse our catalogue online for more geeky goodness available in branches and streaming online 24/7.
